The Sower

Victor-Marie Hugo

Read the lines from the poem 'The Sower' and answer the questions that follow:

Sitting in a porch way cool,

Fades the ruddy sunlight fast,

Twilight hastens on to rule--

Working hours are wellnigh past

Shadows shoot across the lands;

But one sower lingers still,

Old, in rags, he patient stands,--

Looking on, I feel a thrill.

Black and high his silhouette

Dominates the furrows deep!

Now to sow the task is set,

Soon shall come a time to reap.

Marches he along the plain,

To and fro, and scatters wide

From his hands the precious grain;

Moody, I, to see him stride.

Darkness deepens. Gone the light.

Now his gestures to mine eyes

Are august; and strange--his height

Seems to touch the starry skies.

1. Who is the speaker here?

Answer : The poet / Victor Hugo

2. Who is the I referred to here?

Answer : The poet / Victor Hugo

3. Who is sitting in the porch way?

Answer : The poet / Victor Hugo

4. Whom the speaker is referred to here?

Answer : The sower

5. Where does the speaker/ poet sit?

Answer : In the porch way of his house.

6. What is the time mentioned here?

Answer : Evening

7. "But one sower lingers still" - What does the word 'lingers' suggests about the sower?

Answer : The line indicates that the sower is still working in his field even it is late evening. This shows that he is very dedicated and hard working person.

8. Pick out two pairs of rhyming words from the poem.

Answer : cool - rule

Fast - past

9. What is the rhyme scheme followed here?

Answer : ABAB

10 What does the poet feel?

Answer : Thrilled

11. Pick out a word from the second stanza that means 'piece of old cloth'.

Answer : rags

12. Pick out a word from the second stanza that means 'dark shape and outline of someone or something'.

Answer : silhouette

13. Why does the poet tell that the grain is precious?

Answer : In one sense, the grains grow as food in future for us. And in other sense, the grains will grow into crops and will make the sower rich

14. Why does the poet become moody or sad ?

Answer : The poet becomes sad by watching the sower struggling so much

15. Pick out visual images from the poem

Answer : porch way, ruddy sunlight, Shadows shoot across the lands, Black and high his silhouette, furrows deep, From his hands the precious grain, starry skies.

16. Pick out examples for alliteration.

Answer : Fades the ruddy sunlight fast /

Shadows shoot across / high his / sower lingers still/ his hands

Rosa Parks Sat Still

 1. Rosa Parks Sat Still - Summary / write up/ Newspaper Report

Answer :

Rosa Parks: The Iron Woman changes the law of America 

Montgomery: A bold black woman named Rosa Parks refused to move from her seat - and this transformed a million lives of America. The incident took place on 1st December 1955, as Rosa Parks was returning home after her tedious work in a bus. There were white people and Black people in the Bus. There was a rule at that time that in a bus if there is a vacant seat it would be of the white people. The Black people were not allowed to sit there. As Rosa was very tired of her work, she refused to move from her seat for a white man.This made the bus driver angry. He called the police and the police arrested Rosa Parks.

The black people of Montgomery decided to fight for Rosa Parks to come out of jail. They boycotted the buses. Without black passengers the buses ran almost empty and it caused to a huge loses to the bus company.  In the court, there were many people who argued for her rights.The judges of Supreme court found that segregation was unlawful and it was against the law of the country. Thus Rosa Park became "the Mother of Black Civil Rights Movement". This incident also changed millions minds of Americans.

2. Character sketch of Rosa Parks.

Answer :

Rosa Parks: The Iron Woman of America 

Rosa Parks is a civil rights activist in America. She is an ordinary working woman having much courage and wisdom.  She is the hero of the protest of Montgomery bus boycott. She is a loyal and obedient citizen also. She had never violated any rules of her country. But, she is against the law of segregation which prevailed in America at that time. According to this law, black men is denied many civil rights in public. They do not allow to sit in a bus when there is standing white passengers in it. Rosa's thoughts 'this law is not fair. If a rule is unfair, it ought to go. It ought not to be in the rulebook. Therefore, it ought not to be obeyed. If people go on obeying such a bad rule, it will stay in the book for ever. So someone should do something about it some day. I think that day has arrived’ gives us a clear picture of her personality. There is brave revolutionary in her spirit. She wants to fight against this injustice. She is not ready to leave her seat for a white passenger. She knows very well about the consequences of her action. She stands as firm as a rock in her decision before the police and the Court. Her determination and valour has transformed the million lives in America. She is considered as the mother of Black Civil Rights Movement.

3. Diary entry of Rosa Parks.

Answer :

2 December 1955

Saturday 

Yesterday was one of the most memorable days of my life.  I got on the bus as usual in the evening. I was very tired of my work on the day.  I paid my fare and sat the nearest vacant seat. Everything seemed quite natural as usual. But as the bus ready to move on many passengers got into the bus in hurry. Each time a white passenger climbed into the bus, a black passenger got up from a seat and moved away. The rule was very clear that black passengers had to give up their seats when white passengers came in. They had to get off the bus and go round to the back door.  Though I noticed that a white passenger stood at the door and looking at me, I didn't mind it. I decided not to leave my seat for him. Why should I get up? I’ve paid the same as the white passenger has paid. My ticket is not a cent cheaper than his, and I am more tired than he is. And he is neither old nor disabled. He is asking for this seat because he is a white. That can’t be right. But how could the driver start? Other passengers grew impatient. They gave me angry looks. But I sat still there. I made up my mind to protest against this unfair law. The driver brought the police in. The arrested me, said I had broken the law, and sent me to jail. I'm proud of my actions. I hope  there will be a change in this segregation in future. I hope I can instill energy and power in some more people to stand up for our rights.

  Light on The Hills 

1. Character Sketch of the boy

Answer :

      The boy : A Gifted Painter 

The boy is the central character in the story.“ The Light on, the Hills’, written by Mrs Lucy Clifford. He is a caring, sensitive and responsible young man. He has a desire to paint a picture, however lacked the courage, confidence and was nervous to paint the picture. He has a younger sister and he loves her very much. He has strong feelings, about her. He receives encouragement from her sister for, painting and becomes a confident artist. He becomes totally upset with the death of his sister.  But gradually he regains his confidence. He seems to hear the voice of his dead sister which makes him more confident just like a strange power comes inside. Though he was diffident at the time of his sister's death, he then emerges as a great painter and draws his masterpiece. He is praised by the audience for his splendid picture.

2. Character Sketch of the girl

Answer :

The little girl plays an important role in the Short story ‘The Light on the Hills’ written by Mrs. Lucy Clifford. Though the girl is too young, she is portrayed as a very mature person with a positive outlook towards life. The girl encourages her brother to paint the picture saying, ‘it will make people happy to look at it’ She tries to build up his confidence by pointing out to him that ‘If you do your work with dedication and honesty, people will know how hard you have tried’. She is very bold and confident. She always tries to instill much courage and confidence in her brother also. She tells him that if he wants to do his best, then he has to do it for the people whom he loves. That will help him to move forward without any boredom. Though her imminent death weakens her elder brother, even her memories gives him immense confidence and courage. She is very live throughout the story even after her death. She shares a strong and loving relationship with her brother and remains as a constant source of inspiration even after her death. In short, she is such a strong and inspirational character.

3. The boy in the story ‘ The Light on the Hills’ was appreciated by everyone for his painting. Their appreciation reminded him of his sister. Later, he jotted down his feelings in his diary. Prepare the likely diary entry of the boy.

Answer :

20 May 2023

Sunday

It was an unforgettable day in my life today. My promise to my little sister has been fulfilled. Everybody came to congratulate me. I know it's all because of her. She gave me the confidence and guidance. Now, I miss her a lot. How happy she would be, if she were alive. She was the one who wished the most to see me successful. She is my inspiration. She lives in my heart like a strong soul even after her death. Her memories still give me immense courage to move on. As she said once, "it will make people happy to look at it’', I could see the happiness on the face of the people who came to see my picture today. Once, She had told me that if I want to do my best, then I have to do it for the people whom I love. So, I drew my picture for my beloved sister. All the appreciation and happiness I received today is dedicated to my sister.

4. The boy in the story ‘ The Light on the Hills’ is awarded the best painter award for his painting. At the award function, he delivers a speech on how his sister inspired him. Write the likely speech.

Answer :

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, 

 Today I am very happy to get a chance to be here and to deliver a few words before you. First of all, I put my heartfelt thanking to you for supporting me. On this proud moment, I remember my beloved little sister. She is the invisible power behind my success.

Today I fulfilled my promise to her. She was the one who wished the most to see my success. Today you all came and gathered here to congratulate me. I know it's all because of her. She gave me the confidence and guidance. Now, I miss her a lot. How happy she would be, if she were alive. She was the one who wished the most to see me successful. She is my inspiration. She lives in my heart like a strong soul even after her death. Her memories still give me immense courage to move on. As she said once, "it will make people happy to look at it’', I could see the happiness on the face of the people who came to see my picture today. Once, She had told me that if I want to do my best, then I have to do it for the people whom I love. So, I drew my picture for my beloved sister. All the appreciation and happiness I received today is dedicated to my sister. 

I conclude my short words by giving my extream thanking to you all once again.

Thank You Very much 

5. The boy finally came up with a wonderful painting appreciated by everyone. His little sister’s words were the real inspiration behind his achievement. Having heard of the achievement of the boy, you have decided to send a letter of appreciation to him. Write the letter.

Answer :

Love Dale

7th street

Calicut -07

20 May 2023

Dear John,

How're you? Hope you are doing well. I’m writing this letter to express my happiness on hearing about your achievement. Hearty congratulations! I read all the details of your art exhibition in the papers today. I could also see some photographs of you paintings. I must say they are simply marvellous! You're an inborn artist. I was really touched to learn about the wonderful way in which you were inspired by your sister. You are very lucky to have  such a sensible sister. She must be happy in heaven with your success. I am sure, you will become a popular painter in the world in the coming years. I wish you good luck in all your future works. I conclude my words by congratulating you once again. 

Yours Lovingly,

Jimmy 

(Sd/-)

  We're the World

1. Who are the composers of the song 'We are the World'?

Answer :

Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie Jr.

2. What, according to the lyricists, is the greatest gift of all?

Answer:

 lending a hand to the life of others or helping the needy people.

3. Why do you think that we can’t go on pretending forever?

Answer :

Everyone and Everything in this world are a part of God's big family. So, it's our responsibility to help others and love everyone.

lt is useless to think that someone will soon make a change somewhere.

4. ‘It’s true we’ll make a better day Just you and me.’ How?

Answer :

Man is a social animal. We cannot withstand without depending each other. If we unite together, nothing can stop us. We can make the world a better place.

5. When will a change really come according to the lyricists?

Answer :

When we stand together.

6. What might have prompted the lyricists to sing a song like this?

Answer :

The crying of the suffering people around the world and the need of love might have prompted the lyricists to sing a song like this.

7. What, according to the lyricists, was needed for everyone?

Answer :

Love

8. Prepare a note of appreciation of the poem' We are the World'

Answer :

 ‘We’re the World’

‘We’re the World’ is one of the most celebrated songs composed by the popular American singers Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie Jr. The poem immortalises art which plays a vital role in changing the world.The poem deals with the need of the hour to stand together.

The poem begins with a hope that there will be a time when all of us hear a ‘certain call’ then the whole world will become one. The people go on dying and it is time for us to give a helping hand. According to the lyricists, lending a hand to life is the greatest gift of all.The lyricists states that we cannot go on pretending, that someone, somewhere will make a change. When we work with unity, we can make the world a better place.The emotion that the lyrics are creating is empathy and love.

 All of us are a part of the world, love is what is needed and all of us know that it’s the truth.We are the world and we are the children. We should make the world brighter so we must start giving. Give your hearts to the sad people then they will understand that we care for them. Thus, their lives will become stronger. They will be free. When you are completely distressed and helpless believe that there is no way for you to fall. Everything will be fine one day. We all should recognize that we must stay together for a complete change.

 Taj Mahal

 Read the lines from the poem 'Taj Mahal' and answer the questions that follow:

You knew, Emperor of India, Shah Jahan,

That life, youth, wealth, renown

All float away down the stream of time.

Your only dream

Was to preserve forever your heart's pain.

The harsh thunder of imperial power

Would fade into sleep

Like a sunset's crimson splendour,

But it was your hope

That at least a single, eternally-heaved sigh would stay

To grieve the sky.

1. Who write the poem 'Taj Mahal'?

Answer :

Rabindranath Tagore

2. Who is referred to as 'You' here?

Answer

Emperor of India, Shah Jahan

3. What, in the poet’s view, are the things that would float away down the stream of time?

Answer:

Life, youth, wealth and renown – all float away down the stream of time.

4. What is Imperial power compared to ?

Answer :

a sunset's crimson splendour.

5. Why is ‘imperial power’ compared to the splendour of sunset?

Answer :

Like the sunset, imperial power also diminishes or fades. Both are transient.

6. What do you think was Shah Jahan’s ‘heart’s pain’?

Answer:

The memories of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Shah Jahan wished to keep her memory forever by building the beautiful monument, the Taj Mahal.

7. Pick out an instance for simile from the given lines.

Answer :

The harsh thunder of imperial power Would fade into sleep Like a sunset’s crimson splendor

8. Pick out an instance for auditory image from the given lines.

Answer :

harsh thunder

9. Pick out an instance for visual image from the given lines.

Answer :

sunset's crimson splendour

10. "Your only dream Was to preserve forever your heart's pain." Whose dream has to be preserved?

Answer :

The dream of Emperor Shah Jahan 

11. Pick out an instance for alliteration from the lines.

Answer :

sunset's crimson splendour

Read the lines from the poem 'Taj Mahal' and answer the questions that follow:

Though emeralds, rubies, pearls are all

But as the glitter of a rainbow tricking out empty

air And must pass away,

Yet still one solitary tear

Would hang on the cheek of time

In the form

Of this white and gleaming Taj Mahal.

12. What are emeralds, rubies, and pearls compared to?

Answer :

glitter of a rainbow

13. Identify the lines which shows the transience of rainbow.

Answer : 

But as the glitter of a rainbow tricking out empty / air And must pass away,

14. Pick out the lines which mean emeralds, rubies and pearls are transient.

Answer :

Though emeralds, rubies, pearls are all / But as the glitter of a rainbow tricking out empty /air And must pass away,

15. ‘All float away down the stream of time’. What image do you get from this line?

Answer :

This line indicates that all the worldly things are transient and will be destroyed one day.

16. How is Taj Mahal described?

Answer :

white and gleaming

17. Pick out an instance of visual image from the lines.

Answer :

Rainbow

17.Pick out an instances of simile from the poem.

Answer :

Though emeralds, rubies, pearls are all But as the glitter of a rainbow tricking out empty air And must pass away,

18. Which line do you like the most? why?

Answer :

"Yet still one solitary tear / Would hang on the cheek of time"I liked this lines because this lines reveal the feelings of emperor shah Jahan and also has a picturesque beauty.

19. Prepare a note of appreciation of the poem ' The Taj Mahal'.

Answer :

 Taj Mahal: The eternal Beauty

'Taj Mahal' is one of the most beautiful poems written by India’s first Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The poem is taken from Tagore's poem 'Shah Jahan'. In this poem Tagore speaks of the immortal creation, the Taj Mahal and the timeless appeal of that great monument. The theme of the poem is the transience of life and eternity of art. The poem deals with Shajahan’s undying love for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal itself.

The poet states that the emperor Shah Jahan knew that all the worldly things like life, youth, wealth, and renown are transient and would be destroyed one day. His love to Mumtas was priceless. So he wanted to preserve it forever in the form of the immortal creation like Taj Mahal. Here the poet gives us a clear picture about the transience of life and the eternity of art.

The poet continuously stating that everything in this world get carried away in the flow of time. Even the undeniable power of an emperor would be faded like the crimson splendour of sunset. But, the glory of Taj Mahal, the heart's pain of Shah Jahan would stay forever as a teardrop on the cheek of time. The shining precious stones like emeralds, rubies, pearls would be destroyed like a rainbow. But the beautiful Taj Mahal would recite the immortal love of Shah Jahan for years.

The poet uses many imageries to show how transient is the life and how intransient is the art. The poet has judiciously employed a couple of figures of speech like 'simile' in the poem to make the more attractive. Here, Imperial power is compared to the fading crimson splendour of the sunset and the shining precious stones to the beautiful rainbow and it’s glow which remains for a few seconds. The image of Taj Mahal as a tear drop is a beautiful visual image. The phrase 'harsh thunder' is an example for auditory image. 

The Boy Who Drew Cats

1. Did you enjoy the story, ‘The Boy who Drew Cats’? If you were the young boy, how would you tell the story?

         The Boy Who Drew Cats

I was the youngest child of a poor Japanese family. Because of my poor health, I was sent to an old priest to make me as an acolyte.  I had a bad habit. Whenever I was alone, I would draw the pictures of cats. I drew the cats on the margins of the priest’s books, on the walls and pillars of the temple. At last the priest sent me away fom the temple by saying that I was not suit for the job of a priest.  He also gave a piece of advice to me that "avoid large places at night and to keep to the small".

 I didn't go to home because I was sure that my father would punish me for being disobedient to the priest. I went straight to the next village. There was a very big temple. I had heard there were several priests at that temple; and I made up my mind to go to them and ask them to take me as their acolyte.

I reached there with lots of hope. But Alas! I couldn't find any human even the surroundings of the temple. I entered the huge hall inside where I saw many blank walls and draw some cats there! I felt tired . I searched for some safer place to sleep. At the same time, I remembered my priest's advice! Then I chose a small cabinet to sleep.

At that night, I heard some dreadful screamings from the temple. I laid inside the cabinet holding my breath. At the next morning, I saw the dead body of a monstrous Goblin rat. Then I observed that the mouths of all the cats I had drawn the night before, were red and wet with blood.  I could realise that the Goblin was killed by the cats which I had drawn. And I also thanked the wise old priest who had give me the advice ‘Avoid large places at night, keep to small.’

2. The Arts Club of your school has decided to conduct a painting competition to find out the young talents. As the arts club secretary, prepare a notice to invite the students.

Answer :

3. Prepare a diary entry of the boy:

20 May 2024

Monday

 Oh God! What an unforgettable day it was! The priest sent me away fom the temple by saying that I was not suit for the job of a priest.  He also gave a piece of advice to me that "avoid large places at night and to keep to the small". I went straight to the big temple at the next village, hoping that I would get a job. I reached there with lots of hope. But Alas! I couldn't find any priests there. I entered the huge hall inside where I saw many blank walls and draw some cats there! I felt tired . I searched for some safer place to sleep. At the same time, I remembered my priest's advice! Then I chose a small cabinet to sleep. At night, I heard some dreadful screamings from the temple. I laid inside the cabinet holding my breath. At the next morning, I saw the dead body of a monstrous Goblin rat. I could realise that the Goblin was killed by the cats which I had drawn. And I also thanked my wise old priest who gave me such a valuable advice!

 The Mysterious Picture 

1. Tyl calmly strode out of the hall and rode away on his donkey from the palace . On the way he meets one of his friends and narrates the experiences he had in the palace. Write the narrative..

Answer :

Tyl: The Clever Painter

On the course of my wandering from court to court on my donkey Jeff, I reached the palace of the Archduke of Battenburg. I wanted to become the court painter. As I informed that I was a Flemish painter, the captain of the guards allowed me to meet the Archduke. I showed the painting of Our Lady, The Virgin’ to the Archduke. The Archduke was flattered by the painting and appointed me as his court painter.

As I came to know that the Archduke wanted his portrait to be remembered by his descendants, I put forward a suggestion that I could draw his portrait along with his lady and all other courtiers. The Archduke was very much impressed by that idea and offered me a hundred gold pieces in advance.

The next day as per my wish, all the courtiers who were to painted came to see me one by one. The first one was the Commander in chief of the army. He was a short, fat, bald man with an enormous paunch.  But he wanted himself to be painted handsom and threatened to hang me if I didn't obey him. Similar kinds of threats were followed by all the other courtiers . But alas! The Archduke commanded that my painting should be very real and if I missed anything in it, I would be slaughtered like a pig.

I realised that I was in danger. I want to save myself at any cost. I found a solution. I asked for three assistants to help me in mixing colours. All of us enjoyed our living at the palace by drinking and eating for sixty days. But we didn't draw any pictures on the wall. On the sixtieth day, I summoned everyone to the hall. Before unveiling the curtain, I announced that only those who had noble blood in their veins would be able to see the painting. I also added that all the rest would only see a blank wall. As I drew the curtain, everybody started admiring my painting! Suddenly the Duke’s jester told that he couldn’t see any picture there except a blank wall. Hearing this I calmly moved out of the palace by saying that "When fools begin to talk,‘it’s time for wise men to walk." Thus I saved my life.

 2 Prepare the character sketch of Archduke.

The Archduke of Battenburg.

The Archduke is one of the powerful character in the story 'The Mysterious Picture' written by Charles De Coster. He is the ruler of Battenburg. He loves paintings and artists very much. Though a little pompous he is sincere and just.  He always keeps his promises. He is a very kind person as he gives Tyl reward in advance. And also he has a mind to welcome guests with good feasts., He loves to be remembered after his death. He has a good patience . So that he waits , about two months for completing the painting of Tyl.

3. Prepare the character sketch of Tyle.

Answer :

Tyl: The Flemish Painter

Tyl is the central character of the story 'The Mysterious Picture' written by Charles De Coster. He is a painter from Flanders and wants to be the court painter at the palace of the Archduke of Battenburg . He comes to the palace on his donkey Jeff. He is slim and looks like a skeleton. He always wears a cap with three bright feathers. He is very clever and tricky. He knows very well how to escape safely from a crisis. He has a good sense of humor and values his own freedom and creativity. He is very talkative and confident fellow. He can impress anyone by his sensible way of talking.

4. Write a diary entry of Tyl

20 May 2024

Monday 

Oh God! What an unforgettable day it was! I never expect that I could get my life back. The Archduke ordered me to draw his portrait along with his lady and all other courtiers. All his courtiers demanded that I should make them more attractive in my painting. But the Archduke demanded that my painting would be so realistic. He warned me that if I missed anything in it, I would be slaughtered like a pig. What shall I do? I would be killed either by Archduke or by the courtiers. I wanted to save my life at any cost. My assistants and I enjoyed our living at the palace by drinking and eating for sixty days. But we didn't draw any pictures on the wall. On the sixtieth day, I summoned everyone to the hall. Before unveiling the curtain, I announced that only those who had noble blood in their veins would be able to see the painting. I also added that all the rest would only see a blank wall. As I drew the curtain, everybody started admiring my painting! Suddenly the Duke’s jester told that he couldn’t see any picture there except a blank wall. Hearing this I calmly moved out of the palace by saying that "When fools begin to talk,‘it’s time for wise men to walk." Thus I saved my life.

 1. Prepare the character sketch of the homeopath in the story'The snake and the mirror'.

Homeopath : The dreamer

Homeopath is the central character of the short story written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer.  In this story,  Basheer portrays the homeopath as an admirer of beauty. He is very proud of himself for being a young handsome bachelor and a doctor by profession. He had just started his medical practice and his earnings were meagre. He lives in a rented room that was not electrified. In order to look more handsome , he decides to shave daily, keep an attractive smile always on his face and grow a thin moustache.  He would also wish to marry a woman doctor who has plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should be fat so that even if he made any mistakes, she wouldn’t be able to run after him. But, the phrase " Man proposes, God disposes " is very much apt for the doctor's life. On the contrary to his plan, God willed something different! His wife is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter.! 

Homeopath is a satirical character who often delivers some silly jokes himself. He mentions comically that he and the rats share the rented room. His conceptions about his fiancée also reveals his sense of humor. At the end of the story the doctor feels shame himself as the thief left his dirty vest. He presents the matter comically by saying that "The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness . . .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water." When the cobra coiled around his arm, he admits that he was a stupid doctor because he had forgot to keep any medicines with him. In short, the doctor is a simple but a humorous character.

 2.  The story 'The Snake and the Mirror' by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer portrays a frightening incident in the life of ahomeopath in a humorous way. Prepare a write up on the use of contrasts in the story to bring out the humour.

 The Snake And The Mirror

 'The Snake and the Mirror' is an interesting story by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer portraying a frightening incident about an encounter with a cobra took place in the life of a homeopath in a humorous way. The homeopath is a bachelor who lived in a rented room which was not electrified. He had recently set up his medical practice and his earnings were meagre . 

One summer night, after having his dinner from a restaurant, homeopath reached his room around ten 'O clock. After removing his clothes, he made his bed to go to sleep. But it was too hot inside. So, he couldn't get sleep.  He went to the veranda to get some air. But didn't get!  He came back into the room and sat on the chair beside the table. At that time, he was tempted by a mirror.  He was a great admirer of beauty and also a bachelor. In order to look more handsome , he decided to shave daily, keep an attractive smile always on his face and grow a thin moustache.  He would also wish to marry a woman doctor who has plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should be fat so that even if he made any mistakes, she wouldn’t be able to run after him. On the contrary to his plan, God willed in a different sense ! his wife was a thin person like a sprinter!

With such lovely thoughts, he sat on the chair. Suddenly he heard a dull thud behind him. Before he could do anything, a fat snake coiled his arm. He sat still like a stone image. If he tried to move slightly, the snake would bite him. His real fear was that he had no medicine with him at that time. So, he admitted himself that he was a stupid and foolish doctor. As the snake turned its head it saw its reflection in the mirror! To his surprise, the snake unwound itself and moved closer to the mirror on the table. 

 At that moment, the homeopath escaped from the room and reached one of his friends' house. The next day he went to his room with his friends to remove his belongings from there. When they reached there they found that some thief had stolen all the things except his dirty vest. On seeing that the doctor said "The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness . . .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water."

 3. The doctor in the story 'The Snake and the Mirror' ran out of the house after his encounter with the snake. Reaching his friend’s house,  he jotted down his experience in his diary. Prepare the likely diary entry.

20 May 2023

Sunday

What an unforgettable day it was! How can I forget today? Thank God. I thought it would be the last day in my life..... As usual, reached my rented room after having dinner.  It was too hot inside to sleep. I was tempted by the mirror. I decided to shave daily, grow a thin moustache and always to keep an attractive smile on my face to look more handsome. I also wished to marry a woman doctor with plenty of money and practices. I think, the God didn't like my arrogance. All of a sudden, I heard a dull thud from behind. Before I could do anything, a cobra coiled my arm. I sat still like a stone image. If I tried to move slightly, the snake would bite me. My real fear was that I had no medicine with me at that time. How stupid and foolish I am. Soon,  the snake just turned its head and saw its reflection in the mirror. To my surprise, the snake unwound itself and moved closer to the mirror on the table. Without wasting a second, I escaped from the room and reached my friend’s house .Oh God! I will never forget this incident. God appeared before me in the form of a mirror to save my life.

 2.  The story 'The Snake and the Mirror' by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer portrays a frightening incident in the life of ahomeopath in a humorous way. Prepare a write up on the use of contrasts in the story to bring out the humour.

 The Snake And The Mirror

 'The Snake and the Mirror' is an interesting story by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer portraying a frightening incident about an encounter with a cobra took place in the life of a homeopath in a humorous way. The homeopath is a bachelor who lived in a rented room which was not electrified. He had recently set up his medical practice and his earnings were meagre . 

One summer night, after having his dinner from a restaurant, homeopath reached his room around ten 'O clock. After removing his clothes, he made his bed to go to sleep. But it was too hot inside. So, he couldn't get sleep.  He went to the veranda to get some air. But didn't get!  He came back into the room and sat on the chair beside the table. At that time, he was tempted by a mirror.  He was a great admirer of beauty and also a bachelor. In order to look more handsome , he decided to shave daily, keep an attractive smile always on his face and grow a thin moustache.  He would also wish to marry a woman doctor who has plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should be fat so that even if he made any mistakes, she wouldn’t be able to run after him. On the contrary to his plan, God willed in a different sense ! his wife was a thin person like a sprinter!

With such lovely thoughts, he sat on the chair. Suddenly he heard a dull thud behind him. Before he could do anything, a fat snake coiled his arm. He sat still like a stone image. If he tried to move slightly, the snake would bite him. His real fear was that he had no medicine with him at that time. So, he admitted himself that he was a stupid and foolish doctor. As the snake turned its head it saw its reflection in the mirror! To his surprise, the snake unwound itself and moved closer to the mirror on the table. 

 At that moment, the homeopath escaped from the room and reached one of his friends' house. The next day he went to his room with his friends to remove his belongings from there. When they reached there they found that some thief had stolen all the things except his dirty vest. On seeing that the doctor said "The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness . . .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water."

 1. Prepare the character sketch of the homeopath in the story'The snake and the mirror'.

Homeopath : The dreamer

Homeopath is the central character of the short story written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer.  In this story,  Basheer portrays the homeopath as an admirer of beauty. He is very proud of himself for being a young handsome bachelor and a doctor by profession. He had just started his medical practice and his earnings were meagre. He lives in a rented room that was not electrified. In order to look more handsome , he decides to shave daily, keep an attractive smile always on his face and grow a thin moustache.  He would also wish to marry a woman doctor who has plenty of money and a good medical practice. She should be fat so that even if he made any mistakes, she wouldn’t be able to run after him. But, the phrase " Man proposes, God disposes " is very much apt for the doctor's life. On the contrary to his plan, God willed something different! His wife is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter.! 

Homeopath is a satirical character who often delivers some silly jokes himself. He mentions comically that he and the rats share the rented room. His conceptions about his fiancée also reveals his sense of humor. At the end of the story the doctor feels shame himself as the thief left his dirty vest. He presents the matter comically by saying that "The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness . . .! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water." When the cobra coiled around his arm, he admits that he was a stupid doctor because he had forgot to keep any medicines with him. In short, the doctor is a simple but a humorous character.